West Central Reporter

Outraged over the recent 32 percent state income tax hike, retired Army Sgt. Joshua Griffith has launched his Republican campaign for state representative with a pledge of making a difference for the people of the 93rd District.

“Illinois has the highest taxes in the nation and the politicians only plan is to force us to pay more,” Griffith said in a press release. “Families are fleeing Illinois because they can’t afford to stay. We need a state representative who will stand up for our interests, not do the bidding of Mike Madigan and the Chicago Democrats.”

Griffith is running against incumbent Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), whom he describes as a pawn for House Speaker Madigan (D-Chicago).

Joshua Griffith

Griffith said Hammond sided with Madigan and Democrats in passing the state's $36.1 billion budget that will cost taxpayers across the district millions more in taxes.

“Families will need to cut their home budgets to bailout Springfield,” Griffith said. “Empty political rhetoric from longtime politicians won’t help our families fill a hole in their home budgets. We shouldn’t be forced to bailout state government because the politicians failed. No one believes this is fiscal responsibility.”

Born and raised in Knox County, Griffith moved back to Illinois after serving 11 years in the Army. He now resides in Abingdon with his wife and five children.

“I moved back home because of my love for the area,” he said. “I love our community and I want to build my life here with my family.”

Griffith said he is running as a way of making sure state government represents the same values he has.

Griffith now serves as the production and marketing manager for Locke’s Roofing and Siding in Galesburg. He has also served a youth pastor and youth basketball and baseball coach in the area.

The 93rd District includes Brown, Cass and Schuyler counties.